The Claflin University Department of Athletics, Office of Career Development, and Davis Toyota of Orangeburg announced that nearly 11,000 food items were donated during a “Stuff the Van” food drive on February 9-11, 2021. The project was held as part of the University’s celebration of Black History Month.
The donated items were delivered to the Filling Station, which was created to help reduce food insecurity among school age-children in the Orangeburg County School District.
“We appreciate the support and participation of everyone who contributed to the success of the “Stuff the Van” event," said Tony O'Neal, director of athletics.“Because of the donations provided by the entire Claflin University community, we were able to donate not one, but two vans packed with items for the Filling Station.”
O’Neal said that a competition was held between the athletic teams to determine which could donate the most items and claim bragging rights within the department. Chymaine Guinyard, head coach for the women’s volleyball team, introduced the idea of the contest and her team was victorious after collecting more than 4,000 items.
Presenting the items to the Filling Station were Claflin student-athletes, staff members from the athletic department and the Office of Career Development, and a representative from Davis Toyota of Orangeburg.Accepting the donations on behalf of the Orangeburg Filling Station were Melissa Cain, treasurer; Hayward Jean,'04, Orangeburg County School District director of student services,and members of the Filling Station staff.